Thomas ‘TJ’ McCloud is a husband, a father of twins and a former musician who now leads ACU’s first study abroad program in Valencia, Spain.

McCloud and his wife, Holly, raised their children, Ian and Isla, mostly in Nicaragua before moving to Charleston, South Carolina.

This August, the family arrived in Valencia for McCloud to began his new role as director of ACU’s newest international campus.

“We are still unpacking everything,” McCloud said as he pointed to the boxes around his office.

McCloud graduated from ACU in 2003 and later earned a master’s degree in international development from Eastern University.

For 12 years, he served as a vice president of OneWorld Health, a nonprofit clinical operation that provides affordable health care across Central America. He continues to support the organization, according to his social media.

Mark Barneche, executive Director for International Education and Study Abroad, said McCloud’s background made him an easy choice for the role.

“He represents the very kinds of skills that we’re looking for,” Barneche said. “He’s fluent in Spanish and has a lot of great business skills and instincts.”

Directing a study abroad program is not McCloud’s first experience leading an ACU tradition.

During his freshman year, McCloud co-directed an act in Sing Song with Lee Stewart, according to ACU’s Sing Song archives.

The duo directed “We are Robots Girls and Boys,” making McCloud part of the ACU community in 2000.

“I’m excited to be back,” McCloud said. “It’s been around 20 years.”

Nine students will study in Valencia this semester, and McCloud already has 25 students signed up for next semester.

“I believe that we can build this program in the future,” McCloud said.

Barneche shares that optimism, predicting rapid growth for the program.

“I have a really strong sense after the success of this summer,” Bernache said. “I would expect within three years it’s our largest program.”

Hana Banks, senior education major from Houston, spent her summer in Valencia as part of the first group of students in the new program.

“We didn’t have a director this summer, and it helps to have someone speaking Spanish and organizing everything,” Banks said.

McCloud’s experience in international development and Spanish skills have helped him settle into the role. He has also planned a trip to Morocco for the students.

“Especially, with the situation at the moment, Morocco will be an amazing trip,” McCloud said.

For McCloud, life in Valencia has also brought its own adjustments. His biggest culture shock has been the pace of life, especially as the city slows down after summer.

“America is always about ‘Go, go, go,’” McCloud said.

That change in pace reflects part of what McCloud hopes students will takes from their time abroad.

Studying abroad gives students an opportunity to grow, experience another culture and discover who they are, McCloud said.

For McCloud, returning to ACU after more than 20 years has given him the opportunity to help students do the same: discover who they are, as students and Christians.

“We are excited for this time in Valencia,” McCloud said.